Lot 4798

Description

Augustus, with Agrippa, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius (3.41 g), Rome mint, issued by Cossus Cornelius Lentulus as moneyer, struck in 12 B.C., obv. around AVGVSTVS [COS XI], head of Augustus right, wearing oak wreath, rev. around traces of AGRIPPA COS TER COSSVS LENTVLVS, head of Agrippa right, wearing mural and rostral crown, (S.1727, RIC I 414, RSC 1 (Agrippa and Augustus-same dies), BMCRE 121 = BMCRR Rome 4671, BN 550, Jameson 26). Rough surface, otherwise very good - fine and very rare.

Ex Dr. Adrian Carr Collection and purchased in 2002.
There is some dispute over the dating and purpose of this issue. Some see this as an issue by Augustus after the death of Agrippa (eg. see Sear) while others (eg. Kent & Hirmer, p.19; Foss p.52 #87b) view this as an issue struck by the moneyer Platorinus to reflect upon Augustus' growing concern as to who would succeed him. Agrippa was the 'anointed' one with the mural and rostral crown supposedly Agrippa's insignia of victory with Augustus at Actium. Agrippa died in this same year, 12 BC. Agrippa was married to Julia who was Augustus' only child.